When do I need one?

You need to apply for a resource consent if you want to build on or use your land in a way that otherwise wouldn’t comply with the rules and standards of our District Plan.

Remember, if you need a resource consent you’re likely to need a building consent too. Get in touch if you’d like some information or advice.

What activities require resource consent?

You may need a resource consent if you’re planning to:

construct a new building or make additions or alterations to an existing building

change a building’s or property’s use

subdivide a property

prune, remove or work near a protected tree

build a swimming pool

erect a sign

Activities that need resource consent are those classified in the District Plan as:

controlled activities – we must grant resource consents for these activities, but we can impose conditions that relate to matters listed in the District Plan

restricted discretionary activities – we can either grant or decline these activities, and impose conditions that relate to matters listed in the District Plan

discretionary activities – we can either grant or decline these activities, and impose conditions in relation to any matter that helps control their potential adverse effects

non-complying activities – we can only grant an application for a non-complying activity if its adverse effects are minor, or if it’s consistent with the District Plan’s objectives and policies. If we grant consent, we can impose conditions in relation to any matter that helps control the activity’s potential adverse effects.

The two other classifications are:

permitted activities – these don’t need resource consent but must still meet any conditions in the District Plan. If you'd like official confirmation that your activity is permitted, you can ask us to provide you with a Certificate of Compliance. This can be useful when you're selling the property or obtaining finance. It can also protect you from future changes to the District Plan, as long as there are no changes to the activity.

As you’ll see, the ‘Rules’ section in the activity area document specifies the activity classifications (permitted, controlled, restricted discretionary, discretionary, non-complying and prohibited). This will help you to identify the types of activity you’re allowed to undertake and the type of resource consent for which you'll need to apply.